Hot compressive deformation behavior of an aluminum matrix composite reinforced with whiskers

The combined experimental and numerical approach is utilized to investigate the hot compressive behaviors of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with longitudinally, transversely and slantingly arranged whisker. Generalized self-consistent finite element model consists of the non-uniformly distributed whiskers, matrix and equivalent material. The result indicates that the stress-strain behaviors of the composites relates to the whisker orientation angle. During the hot compressive deformation, the composite with longitudinally arranged whiskers exhibits strain softening not owing to the whisker rotation but mainly due to the intensive breakage of whisker. The composites with smaller whisker misalignment angle of 30° show the softening behavior due to both the whisker breakage and rotation. The composites with transversely whisker display the work hardening phenomenon due to the matrix work hardening.